Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 587: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there is a possibility available to renegotiate the toll contract on the M3 in view of the changed economic circumstances of the country since the original contract was signed; the current expected cost to the Exchequer over the lifetime of the contract; the revised estimated traffic flow for the M3 over the course of the contract; the way this compares to the original traffic flow expectations as outlined in the current contract; the persons that carried out the traffic demand forecasting for the route; if he has investigated the potential of claiming under their professional indemnity insurance in the event that their traffic demand forecasting was inaccurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25947/11]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. The implementation of individual national road projects, including the M3, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2007. In particular, the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007). The contracts for the privately operated toll schemes are commercial agreements between the NRA and the PPP concessionaires concerned. Noting the above position, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NRA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you don't receive a reply within 10 working days.